Happy Friday. How does a president order a nuclear attack? He just does. If the president wants to strike, his senior military advisers have few options but to carry it out or resign. As the rhetoric between the United States and North Korea escalates, here’s a look at how a president could take us to nuclear war. [WaPost]
Topping the news: Out-of-state super-PACs have spent $853,000 trying to influence the 3rd Congressional District special election. [Trib]
-> The new centrist United Utah Party is asking the state to stop funding GOP primary elections, saying it’s unfair to voters who aren't registered as Republicans. [Trib]
In other news: After his opponents launched a series of attack-ads, Provo Mayor John Curtis is losing his lead in the special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz. [Trib] [DNews] [KUTV]
Tweets of the day: From @StephenAtHome: “Get ready for the sequel: ‘2 Fiery 2 Furious: Pyongyang Drift!‘”
-> From @jeremynewberger: “Vacation Schedule: Play a round of golf. Provoke a nuclear war with North Korea. Insult Mitch McConnell. Retweet Fox & Friends. More golf.”
-> From @juliaritchey: “Whenever I see Club 4 Growth, I keep thinking it's an MLM hair growth product for balding dudes.”
Behind the Headlines: Tribune reporter Taylor Anderson, Washington Bureau Chief Thomas Burr, editorial page editor George Pyle and senior managing editor Matt Canham join KCPW’s Roger McDonough to talk about the week’s top stories, including Operation Rio Grande and lawmakers’ response to constituents on social media. Each Friday at 9 a.m., stream “Behind the Headlines” online or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast.
In other news: Before the state’s new DUI law was passed, Utah ranked No. 8 for toughest in the nation drunken driving law. [Trib]
-> In the midst of the hushed “Operation Rio Grande” planning, state officials put the brakes on a plan to put Salt Lake County inmates in the Utah County jail, and will instead look for housing options in other jails and provide space in the state prison. [Trib] [ABC4]
-> The Salt Lake County GOP announced in July that they would investigate acting Recorder Julie Dole, but at its most recent meeting, officials decided to delay taking action. [Trib] [DNews]
-> Pat Bagley illustrates the eclipse that he feels is already happening. [Trib]
-> Paul Rolly relates the concerns of some of Rep. Mia Love’s constituents, who feel she intentionally left them out of her town hall alternative. [Trib]
Nationally: President Donald Trump said Thursday that his “fire and fury” warning to North Korea earlier this week wasn't strong enough. [NYTimes] [WaPost] [Politico]
-> After the White House downplayed the need for such a measure, Trump said he plans to declare the opioid crisis a ”national emergency.” [NYTimes] [WaPost] [Politico]
-> Trump escalated an ongoing feud between he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday questioned whether he should step down. [NYTimes] [WaPost] [Politico]
Where are they?
State Auditor John Dougall attends the Weber County Fair.
Got a tip? A birthday, wedding or anniversary to announce? Email us at cornflakes@sltrib.com. If you haven’t already, sign up for our weekday email and get this sent directly to your inbox. [Trib]
-- Thomas Burr and Emily Anderson
Twitter.com/thomaswburr and Twitter.com/emilyinorgandy
Follow @sltribpolitics